Southern California’s BARDZ hits heavy with his latest effort, a delightfully diverse four-track EP via Chill Nation/Lowly called Vices.
BARDZ is no stranger to finding many manifestations for his creative mind. Having invited fans into his creative process through his innovative song-from-scratch series bit x bit and a live set that’s second-to-none, perhaps it’s no surprise that his newest EP Vices, continues to raise the bar for his storytelling.
The four-track EP, though brief in playtime, is impressive in its diversity. Opening with the title track “Vices” featuring Madi Earl, the warm product and sweet vocals intermix perfectly with bass and synths that envelop the senses. “Fallout” follows with gritty basslines and sampling that The four-track EP, though brief in playtime, is impressive in its diversity.
Opening with the title track “Vices” featuring Madi Earl, the warm product and sweet vocals intermix perfectly with bass and synths that envelop the senses. “Fallout” follows, touching on the rock-driven tones and gritty basslines and sampling that makes BARDZ’s sound so unique. “Grounded” brings BARDZ’s, real name Tyler Bardzilowski, guitar prowess to the forefront, coupled with Stirling‘s salacious topline melody. The lead single “I Need” closes out the EP, with BARDZ joining Nina Sung to deliver an emotive vocal duet.
Vices was born of an era of isolation, pieced together amid cyclical pushes and droughts of creative energy, and the realization of how much the human experience contributes to the musical process:
“I soon understood that cutting off the outside world in turn cut off my source to internal creativity and meaning, and no amount of distraction would replace the real thing. The other songs followed soon after, crafting the story arc from the beginning to end of the EP.
I am lucky to have worked with some amazing singers and songwriters who brought this project together. Big thanks to Nina Sung, Robert Gilies, Jacob Hawkes, David Snyder, David Pramik, Austin Ryan and Madi Earl.”
– BARDZ via Press Release
The EP, out now on Chill Nation/Lowly, features art direction by Carter Juncal and precedes the producer’s highly anticipated headline set at the revered Tempe, Arizona, venue Shady Park.
Check out the EP Vices below and let us know what you think!
Featured photo courtesy of artist